Former Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United midfielder David Ginola has confirmed that he is running for the FIFA presidency because the current system "isn't working".
The Frenchman's surprise decision to challenge current president Sepp Blatter was confirmed today in a press conference.
The 47-year-old has until January 29 to prove that he has played an active role in the sport for two of the last five years, and also needs backing from five national associations.
Ginola is running with the £250,000 support of betting company Paddy Power, but the former footballer has rejected suggestions in today's press conference that his campaign is a publicity stunt.
In a video posted on the teamginola.com website, the Frenchman said: "I'm standing because like you, I love football. Whether you are on the terraces or on the pitch we all know that the FIFA system isn't working. The game needs to change, but I can't change it on my own.
"I need you to stand up and change it with me. I need you in my team. By joining Team Ginola you are saying yes to a FIFA built on democracy, transparency and equality. You are saying 'yes' to a FIFA which cares about one thing – football."
FIFA vice-president Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan and former FIFA official Jerome Champagne are also planning to run for the role, which will be decided later this year.
Danielle Joynson
